We all know the world is changing. We can all feel the impact of technology on our lives. It is pointless to try to resist many of the changes because the inevitable will happen with or without our consent.

This is also true for the world of publishing. Writers, agents, publishers and readers everywhere are having to broaden their focus to include digital formats for the written works they are involved with bringing to the market place.

The rise in popularity of the eBook and associated readers such as Kindle, Nook, Kobo and iPad have seen a huge increase in sales for the digital format of books. But where does that leave the lovers of hardcovers and paperback? Will we be seeing our treasured formats fade into oblivion? There are many writings on the internet about specific sales numbers and other relevant data but I am more concerned with the artistry of a tangible book and how it can be preserved.

It is useless to wax woefully about eBooks popularity, they are popular for valid reasons and I myself am not disinclined to utilise them. It is just that for the most part I really prefer the tangibility of paper pages, the texture as I slide my finger down the edge in preparation for turning, the secretive nature of holding it’s entirety in my hands yet only glimpsing a tiny part at any one time. The weight of its existence is comforting in my hands.

Pondering how the book makers and marketers could promote this medium to ensure its continued existence and prosperity I was left with the notion that it’s greatest advantage over an eBook is it’s looks. Now the old saying “never judge a book by it’s cover” is still to be adhered to, but there is no harm in appreciating a book for it’s cover. The colours, imagery and lettering on book covers makes them perfect items to incorporate into your home (or office) decor.

I do this myself. A well placed stack of books that is colour coordinated to compliment your decor, or a stack used to draw the eye to an area you want to highlight, are versatile artworks within a home. My capabilities as an interior designer are severely limited and specifics of how one could use books for their design element are best left to the experts, and that my friends is the crux of this post.

I envisage the way forward for paper or hardback book sales is to partner with design artisans and experts to promote the whole book, not just it’s contents, as the object of desire.